Hollywood Icons Honored With France's Legion of Honor

WHO:

Deadline - George Lucas, Jodie Foster, Sigourney Weaver, Chris Meledandri, Claude Lelouch, President Emmanuel Macron

WHAT:

Deadline - George Lucas, Jodie Foster, Sigourney Weaver, Chris Meledandri, and Claude Lelouch were awarded the Legion of Honor.

Variety - Chris Meledandri is the founder and CEO of Illumination, the producer behind the "Despicable Me" and "Minions" movies, which are the highest-grossing animated franchise of all time, with more than $5.7 billion in global earnings.

WHERE:

Deadline - The ceremony took place at the Élysée Palace in Paris.

WHEN:

Variety - The awards ceremony was held on July 15.

WHY:

Deadline - The award recognizes significant contributions to international cinema.

HOW:

Deadline - The awards were presented by President Emmanuel Macron.

(UPDATED July 16, 2026 01:22 UTC)

In a prestigious ceremony at the Élysée Palace in Paris, George Lucas, Jodie Foster, Sigourney Weaver, Chris Meledandri, and Claude Lelouch were awarded the Legion of Honor for their significant contributions to international cinema. The event, which took place on July 15, was presided over by President Emmanuel Macron. Chris Meledandri, the founder and CEO of Illumination, is known for producing the "Despicable Me" and "Minions" movies, which have become the highest-grossing animated franchise of all time, raking in over $5.7 billion globally.